Heatwaves are becoming more frequent in France, leading to
people researching how best to adapt their homes – and if help is available.
This June was the second-hottest on record in France after 2003, when a
heatwave killed almost 15,000 people.
Around 40 departments were on at least an
orange alert level for tap water use by mid-July, with temperatures in some
areas rising to 40C.
In August, an even more intense heatwave saw heat records tumble as most of the country was placed on high alert.
In France, a heatwave is classed as a period of three
consecutive days and nights when temperatures are significantly higher than
usual for the area.
They have become more
frequent in recent years.
Heatwaves averaged one every four years in the 1950s-1970s but have risen
to around two a year in the past decade.
Estate agent Carol Ann Wheeler, of
Wheeler Properties in the south-west, said: “Buyers are very focused now on how
much a property will cost to heat and to cool.”
Some 35% of French homes do not
offer adequate protection against high temperatures, according to building
sector union Ignes, cited in a recent report by charity Fondation pour le
logement.
In homes exceeding World Health Organization standards (26C at night
and 28C in the day), people face cardiovascular and respiratory conditions,
discomfort and sleep problems, the report said.
A common way to cool homes is
by installing air conditioning. The number of equipped households rose from 14%
in 2016 to 25% in 2020, according to Ademe, the agency for ecological living.
Ms Wheeler said: “Air conditioning is becoming more popular… still seen as a
‘nice to have’, not a necessity, but certainly buyers often tend to install for
comfort after a few summers.”
However, many experts caution against the
environmental impacts, which can include high electricity use, probably one
reason why AC does not benefit from state aid.
'Learn to live in the shade'
Architect Christian Horn,
associate professor at Ensa Paris-La Villette, said: “By releasing warmer air
outside, air conditioners also increase street temperatures. In a poorly insulated
home, the cooling effect is likely to be short-lived, as the heat comes in too
quickly.”
Jana Revedin, a professor from Paris’s Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture,
said: “I recommend learning to live in the shade.
“Study old Arabic and
Mediterranean traditions. Adapt your daily rhythm to the hottest hours: eat
lightly, stay indoors from noon to four, and shade your living and working
spaces – preferably from the outside.”
Prof Revedin also advises such practical
adaptations as:
Insulation and ventilation: Roof and wall insulation helps
keep heat out in summer and in during winter.
Opening windows on opposite sides
creates air flow, while installing attic vents can reduce heat build-up.
Insulation is the most effective solution for maintaining a comfortable
temperature, says health agency Santé Publique France.
It advises prioritising
insulating the roof, then the floor of lofts not fitted out to live in, then
exterior walls.
Reflect heat: Use light-coloured or reflective materials on
roofs and install exterior shading via shutters, awnings or blinds.
Architect
Christian Horn said: “If there is no solar protection in a rented property, you
should contact your landlord or syndic to install blinds.
“However, it often
requires a prior declaration to the local authorities as it changes the
appearance of the building’s façade. So you need to plan several months in
advance.”
Block the sun: Use blackout curtains, thermal blinds or reflective
window film.
Outside, plants and deciduous trees can keep sun-drenched areas of
the home in shade.
Upgrade windows, doors: Double or triple-glazing can block
heat, while sealing gaps can block hot air.
Reduce sources of indoor heat:
LED lighting emits less than incandescent bulbs. Avoid using the oven on hot
days.
Efficient cooling systems: Use ceiling fans and portable fans with open
windows. If using air conditioning, choose energy-efficient units and set
thermostats to 24-26C.
Green roofing or walls: ‘Living walls’ (murs vivants
or végétals), incorporating plants on the surface, absorb sunlight and insulate
buildings naturally.
What help is available?
MaPrimeRénov’ is a state grant available to many homeowners, but is variable,
depending on income and the specific project.
You can also obtain free advice
from local advisers in the FranceRénov’ network.
These grants are either for an
‘overall’ renovation project with several aspects or for single jobs, but the
platform is currently closed until September 15 for new requests for ‘overall’
projects for individual homes.
Grants are not available for installing
air-conditioning, including the ‘reversible’ kind providing heat in winter,
also known as an ‘air-air heat pump’.
However, they can be obtained for
insulation and ventilation, including ‘mechanical’ ventilation systems, as well
as for air-to-water and water-to-water heat pump systems.
According to energy
firm Engie, the latter can help to cool homes in summer by circulating cool
water into radiators or underfloor heating systems.
Eco-prêt à taux zéro (Eco-PTZ): Interest-free loans for renovation projects.
Certificats d’économie
d’énergie (CEE): Aid offered by energy companies towards renovation work such
as insulation and ventilation.
Different deals are on offer, so compare
several. This is the only aid that can in some cases help towards installing
air conditioning. Local support: Certain councils offer help, especially in
cities with plan canicule strategies.
Check with your mairie. For example, the
Paris Climate agency (apc-paris.com) provides guidance on preparing homes for
high temperatures.
You can also contact an architecte conseil at your local
CAUE planning and architecture advice service.
Ademe (ademe.fr) also offers
advice on eco-renovation, cooling strategies and heat-resistant building
design.
Reducing water use
State website vigieau.gouv.fr is the best source of information on
any local water restrictions.
Its map indicates areas subject to these at three
levels of increasing severity: alert (orange), reinforced alert (dark orange),
and crisis (red).
A yellow vigilance level means you should take extra care
with water, but there are no obligations yet.
In the box on the site click
particulier then robinet to find any restrictions related to members of the
public and for tap water.
Other options are for water taken out of rivers or
from wells.
The map adapts to your choice. Zoom into your local area. If it has
restrictions, click on it, then click on je consulte les restrictions.
Under
Détails des restrictions, click the different headings to see detailed rules.
